Savvas Xystouris

What did you do after graduation?

I immediately applied for some jobs in the UK but more experience was needed so I moved back to my hometown, Nicosia, Cyprus to continue seeking for a job in Cyprus and EU countries.

What is your current position?

I am a food chemist at the Food Contaminants, natural toxins and environmental pollutants laboratory, at the State General Laboratory of Cyprus.

What does your current role involve?

My current role involves analysing fish, liver, meat, milk and fruit samples to determine the levels of heavy metals which can be found as contaminants in food.

Did having a Food Science degree help you get this job?

Yes, it was mandatory to have a Master’s degree in Chemistry or Food Science.

What are the links between your studies and your job?

The good knowledge of food Chemistry and Chemical food safety module of my Master’s taught program was extremely important in further understanding of my role.

How do you think that Food Science graduates would benefit from following your chosen career?

To be a food chemist at an accredited laboratory is very useful as it can help you improve your analytical skills, get involved in quality control processes and apply your knowledge of food analysis, food chemistry and chemical food safety.

Do you think that having a food science degree is of value to employers?

Food industry employers undoubtedly need to produce safe to eat, high quality food. To make sure they fulfil their duty they need food science graduates to have studied everything regarding food, from field to fork, and be able to apply their knowledge on a more practical basis.

What made you decide to study at Leeds?

Leeds is a friendly student city. The Food science department has a good reputation so the mixture of good life and good university was very critical for my decision.

Any favourite memories of studying at Leeds?

I have many good memories, friendships, and a great mixture of different cultures and customs.